A Story of Music and Community
The Monopolele Ukulele Festival was born in Monopoli in 2022 with a mission to promote the ukulele as a tool for connection and cultural exchange, creating an event that celebrates music, Mediterranean tradition, and the value of community. Organized by the Associazione Voltare Pagina, the festival has attracted artists and enthusiasts from around the world since its inception, quickly transforming Monopoli into one of Europe’s ukulele capitals.
Monopolele 2022: The First Edition and the Festival’s Spirit
The inaugural Monopolele Ukulele Festival in 2022 laid a strong foundation, drawing ukulele enthusiasts from across Italy and beyond, including the U.S., Sweden, Belgium, and the U.K., transforming Monopoli into a cultural hub. Held primarily in Piazza Palmieri, the festival featured a diverse lineup, with performances by the Puglian band ESCARGOT, who fused Central European sounds with ukulele and banjolele, and Austria’s CALICO trio, whose harmonies captivated the crowd.
Italian virtuoso Danilo Vignola created an unforgettable performance, celebrating Mediterranean musical tradition with skill and passion. The night ended with spontaneous jam sessions along the seafront, a ritual of musical sharing that involved both artists and audience, uniting them into one big community. These nighttime jams quickly became a defining feature of the festival, bringing together hundreds of fans in an atmosphere of joy and participation. Standout performances by UkuleleZaza, with his Hawaiian and jazz-infused style, and Andy Eastwood, one of the most renowned British ukulele players, brought energy and virtuosity to the stage.
Throughout Monopoli, spontaneous performances and ukulele parades filled the streets with music, drawing residents into the festivities. Workshops at Castello provided sessions for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players, fostering inclusivity and musical learning. Memorable highlights included an intimate concert in San Pietro Church by Davide Donelli and Giovanni Albini, where ukulele and Renaissance guitar melded in a harmonious dialogue, captivating the audience. The open mic session in the same setting allowed festival-goers to take the stage, showcasing the community’s warmth and inclusiveness.
The grand finale featured Italian ukulele virtuoso Peter Moss, whose technical mastery and energy earned resounding applause, affirming Monopolele’s place as a vibrant addition to Europe’s ukulele festivals.
Monopolele 2023: Growth and Consolidation
In 2023, the Monopolele Ukulele Festival continued to grow, expanding its venues and bringing a richer, more diverse program. Attendance rose significantly, with eleven nationalities represented, turning Monopoli into a true musical crossroads. In addition to Piazza Palmieri, concerts and workshops were held at Teatro Radar and other historical locations such as San Pietro Church and Porto Vecchio, transforming the city into a vibrant open-air stage.
This year, the festival introduced workshops for musicians of all skill levels, from beginners to experts, with Palazzo Palmieri becoming a hub for educational activities and ukulele brand showcases. Among the most appreciated performances were Ukulele Tuesday, an Irish collective that got the crowd dancing and celebrating, and Adriano Bono with his Reggae Circus, which brought a fusion of reggae music and circus atmospheres. The presence of Daniel Ho, a global ukulele icon, elevated the festival: his set offered moments of rare intensity and emotional engagement, deeply touching the audience.
Other standout artists included the Italian group Ukus in Fabula, known for their medley style, and Vilizar Gichev, whose gypsy-infused performance brought a fresh, dynamic energy to the event. Chris Hough, also known as Ukulele Uff from Liverpool, showcased the best of British ukulele techniques, while the London Belles charmed audiences with a swing-inspired set. These performances enriched the festival’s cultural offerings and provided unforgettable moments, blending genres and influences from around the world.
As in the previous year, the nighttime jam sessions provided moments of true bonding, with over 400 people gathering to play together. An online survey conducted after the festival confirmed attendees’ enthusiasm, with many stating they intended to return in future editions. Monopolele 2023 thus solidified its status as one of Europe’s most significant ukulele events.
Monopolele 2024: Maturity and International Resonance
In 2024, the Monopolele Ukulele Festival reached its full artistic and organizational maturity. With a special focus on the “Mediterraneanization” of the sound, the festival explored new musical styles, from reggae to Balkan rock, giving the event a unique identity. This edition was graced by internationally acclaimed artists, including Feng E, a young prodigy from Taiwan, and the American duo Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, known for their collaborations with artists like Pete Seeger and Bob Dylan.
One of the highlights of 2024 was the performance of Aldrine Guerrero, one of the most famous Hawaiian ukulele players in the world, who captivated Piazza Palmieri with an epic set, accompanied by guitarist Nakamura. His performance reached a peak when Guerrero invited Feng E and Evan J. De Silva onstage, and together they performed a breathtaking rock medley, showcasing the ukulele in a modern and spectacular way.
Once again, the venues played a crucial role in creating the festival’s atmosphere: Porto Rosso hosted intimate performances by artists like Peter Moss and George Helmes, while the Italian collective Veblee brought a surge of energy with their mix of reggae and Balkan rock. The evenings always concluded with crowded jam sessions, the pinnacle of the event, which brought together artists, visitors, and the local community in a shared, participatory experience.
Among the most memorable moments was the performance of the Sinfonico Honolulu collective, with nine ukulelists from Livorno who offered a dynamic reinterpretation of 90s songs, making the Piazza Palmieri crowd dance. The Georgian Trio Mandili added a touching note of tradition and Georgian choral harmony, while Moss and Helmes closed the event with a group rendition of the Beatles’ “Hey Jude,” accompanied by all the ukulele players onstage, in a final moment of emotion and unity.
Conclusion: A Festival in Continuous Evolution
From its origins in 2022, the Monopolele Ukulele Festival has become one of Europe’s most important ukulele events, attracting a diverse audience every year and contributing to the cultural and economic growth of Monopoli and the Puglia region. With a formula that combines artistic excellence and social inclusivity, Monopolele has become synonymous with innovation, openness, and a love for music, establishing itself as a celebration of Mediterranean culture and borderless music.
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Do you want to see more videos from the fest? Have a glance at our “best of YouTube” section!
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